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Imagine you’re amid your annual home cleaning project, sifting through the forgotten treasures in your attic or basement.
As you dust off relics from the past, looking for items you no longer need and should dispose of, you come across an article that may be of value to someone else.
So, a thought crosses your mind— could this be worth something more than nostalgia?
In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada, there’s a place where you can find the answer to your question. It may even let you transform your find into 15 minutes of fame.
All you need to do is visit the “World’s Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.”
Featured in the History Channel’s TV series Pawn Stars, this renowned establishment lets customers buy, sell, or pawn items, ranging from antique heirlooms to quirky collectibles.
What makes this pawnshop a fan favorite is the colorful cast of employees. Among them is the lovable, charming, and humorous Austin “Chumlee” Russell.
Unfortunately, behind the glitz and glamor of reality TV, Chumlee’s story is one of unexpected turns and legal challenges.
This article explores the American TV star’s on- and off-camera tale and answers questions about his current situation.
So, continue reading to find out if Chumlee is in Jail and whether he has managed to navigate the turbulent waters of fame.
Are you looking for information on an incarcerated individual? Visit LookUpInmate.org to access inmate records from over 7,000 U.S. federal and local correctional facilities.
Why Was Chumlee From ‘Pawn Stars’ Arrested?
Before we dive into the reasons for Chumlee’s arrest, let’s first discuss who he is. To do that, you must understand the reality show Pawn Stars.
Pawn Stars is a television program that airs on the History Channel and chronicles the daily activities at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop.
This Las Vegas establishment is a family business operated by the Harrison family, namely Richard “the Old Man” Harrison, his son Rick “the Genius,” Rick’s son Corey “Big Hoss,” and Corey’s best friend Austin Lee Russell, commonly known as “Chumlee.”
The show focuses on the Harrisons’ and Chumlee’s often hilarious interactions with customers trying to get the best deal out of the various items they bring into the pawnshop.
As the TV show grew in popularity, so too did Chumlee, capturing the hearts of audiences with his unintentional form of comedy and wisdom.
His Arrest Stemmed From a Sexual Assault Charge
Since Pawn Stars’ initial debut in 2009, Chumlee has become a fan favorite and a reality star. But contrary to his gentle appearance in the show, Austin has had his share of legal issues.
In an eyebrow-raising incident in 2008, NBC News 3 Las Vegas reported that the Pawn Stars’ star was apprehended for loitering for prostitution.
Chumlee was also arrested in 2016. This incident was the result of a home raid in connection to a sexual assault investigation. However, the TV star was never charged for the original crime imputed upon him.
The Police Found a Lot of Contraband in His House
While Austin wasn’t charged with the sex assault claim, the police uncovered something entirely unexpected during their raid.
Instead of evidence related to the sex crime allegation, law enforcement stumbled on a dozen handguns, methamphetamines, Xanax, marijuana, and cocaine.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the Las Vegas police department charged the TV star Chumlee with one count of illegal possession of a firearm and 19 counts of misdemeanor drug possession charges.
In May 2016, Austin took a plea deal. This decision resulted in three years of probation and counseling.
Although the charges didn’t result in jail time, they could’ve been much worse. According to USA Today, Chumlee would’ve faced two to five years in prison if he had violated the plea terms.
Chumlee Accepts Three-Year Probation, Avoids Jail for Drug and Weapon Charges
As mentioned, Chumlee didn’t land in prison despite facing a felony weapon charge and 19 drug possession violations in 2016.
The reality TV star has his attorney, David Chesnoff, to thank for that. He convinced Chumlee to take a plea deal.
This move involved Austin pleading guilty to one count of illegal drug possession in exchange for three years’ probation.
Unfortunately, Chumlee’s legal troubles and the result of his trial were the subject of debate. It sparked various reactions, with some calling for the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop’s employee’s incarceration.
The Pawn Stars Stuck by Him
While some people criticized the court’s decision not to imprison Chumlee, others supported the TV star.
However, Chumlee’s colleagues at Gold and Silver Pawn Shop became the trending story when everything unfolded.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Austin Lee Russell’s future with Discovery and the History Channel, co-star Rick Harrison stood firmly in support, stating, “We don’t have details yet but are here to help Chumlee however we can.”
At the same time, Chumlee’s childhood best friend, Corey Harrison, took to Instagram. In one post, Corey said, “Don’t believe everything you hear. There are always three sides to a story, yours, theirs, and the truth.”
What We Know About Pawn Stars’ Chumlee
Now that we’ve tackled Chumlee’s legal troubles, let’s explore the beloved man himself. Here are some interesting facts about the Pawn Star star that make him even more endearing to his many fans:
He’s Nicknamed After a Cartoon
Austin’s “Chumlee” moniker traces back to his childhood. When the reality TV star was growing up, a cartoon called “Tennessee Tuxedo” aired.
One of the characters in the television show was a walrus named Chumley, who resembled the pawnshop employee. Austin adopted the name, embracing the humor, finding it a fitting and amusing identity.
He’s a DJ on the Side
Pawnbroker by day, DJ (disc jockey) by night. Together with the Harrisons, Chumlee plays a significant role in the day-to-day operations of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop.
However, while his role has brought him fame and fortune, Austin understands the transient nature of reality TV fame.
So, he explored other career opportunities, including working the turntables. Chumlee has also expressed interest in becoming a talent scout for Las Vegas artists.
He’s a Pretty Shrewd Businessman
Chumlee’s business acumen extended beyond the pawn shop. He became the first among the Pawn Stars personalities to brand himself, selling merchandise and making personal appearances.
His off-the-screen venture was so successful that his co-star and employer, Rick Harrison, joined Austin’s company and began offering “Chumlee”-related memorabilia at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop.
He and the Harrisons Go Way Back
Chumlee’s connection to the Harrison family runs deep. Since childhood, he has been best friends with Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison.
He has also been an employee of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop since 2004, five years before the show’s debut in 2009.
Is Chumlee Related to Rick Harrison?
Contrary to speculation, Chumlee isn’t related to Rick Harrison. However, his close friendship with Corey, Rick’s son, solidified his integral role within the pawn shop.
He’s Dealt With Tragedy
People often say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” That statement couldn’t be more accurate for Austin Lee Russell.
Despite his happy-go-lucky appearance on the reality TV show, Chumlee has been through adversity.
One of the most significant tragedies he faced includes the passing of his father due to pancreatic cancer two weeks before the premiere of Pawn Stars in 2009.
Ironically, Chumlee said he “could pretty much sell or pawn anything.” However, he could never part with the crafted items his father left.
His Weight Has Fluctuated
One of the things that make Chumlee so endearing is his huggable appearance. However, he underwent significant weight loss driven by a commitment to health following his father’s death.
Although his journey wasn’t without challenges, by 2014, he had lost over 100lbs. Unfortunately, he would experience weight fluctuations, gaining 50lbs in 2016 and reaching 350lbs in early 2019.
Chumlee eventually stabilized his weight at around 190lbs in 2021 post-gastric sleeve surgery.
He Made a Huge Misstep in the Pawn Business Once
If you’ve ever watched Pawn Stars and seen Chumlee in action, you’d think he was a savant. However, his pawnbroker wisdom didn’t come cheap.
Before the televised era of Pawn Stars, Chumlee faced a notable blunder, mishandling a transaction involving a rare stand-up bass. This mistake resulted in a $20,000 setback for the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop.
His enduring bond with the Harrisons allowed him to make amends and grow as a pawnbroker. Otherwise, the reality show may have turned out significantly differently.
He’s a Sneaker-Head
Chumlee professed to own over 40 pairs of Jordans, revealing his passion for footwear.
This love for sneakers was showcased in a 2011 episode where he admitted to having over 200 pairs of shoes, including footwear from brands like Vans and Adidas.
He’s Not Too Comfortable With Fame
Despite being a fan favorite of the TV series, Chumlee admitted he was uncomfortable interacting with Pawn Stars fans.
Fortunately, he gradually opened up. But compared to his co-stars, Austin admits that he’s quieter and more reserved.
Jon Bon Jovi Is a Fan
While Chumlee has yet to embrace his stardom truly, he has benefited from his newfound fame.
On one occasion, he shared a unique encounter with rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, who invited the Pawn Stars cast to his show for his kids.
Who else can say Bon Jovi gave them front-row tickets so the talented musician could take a picture with them?
He Opened a Candy Store
Aside from selling shirts and paraphernalia, Chumlee ventured into the candy business to diversify.
In May 2017, he opened “Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard,” a candy store across the plaza from the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop.
But It Got Off to a Sour Start
Unfortunately, the Pawn Stars personality’s dive into gummy worms and jawbreakers wasn’t straightforward. He faced initial hurdles, including domain name disputes and threats from a “cyber-squatter.”
He’s a Giant UNLV Rebels Fan
“The grass is always greener on the other side.” Growing up in Las Vegas, Chumlee has grown accustomed to the city’s offerings, which attracted 38.8 million tourists in 2022.
The TV star considers the UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) Rebels basketball team the “only real game” in town.
However, this casual interest eventually blossomed into full-fledged fandom. In 2012, Austin became a season ticket holder, and by 2014, Chumlee had progressed into sideline coaching.
Chumlee Got Married (or Did He?)
Austin was supposed to get married. In 2016, he began a romantic relationship with Olivia Rademann, a UNLV student, photographer, and free diver.
Chumlee proposed in 2018, which involved a trip to Hawaii. Plans for a double wedding celebration in 2019 were made.
Unfortunately, the Pawn Stars star’s romantic journey took an uncertain turn. According to Distractify, Rademann’s 2022 Instagram posts indicate her involvement with a different man, suggesting a possible split with Austin.
He’s Really Into Trading Pokemon Cards
Aside from shoes, Chumlee has revealed a genuine passion for collecting and trading Pokémon cards.
Sharing insights into his collection, he highlighted owning rare cards, including a $600 Rainbow Charizard.
He’s also dabbled in the Pokémon Go mobile game, which recorded 5.40 million daily players in 2023.
He Had a Kickstarter for His Own Video Game
Growing up in the late 80s and early 90s, Chumlee developed an affinity for video games.
In 2020, Chumlee created his video game, “Chumlee’s Adventure: The Quest for Pinky,” designed exclusively for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
He also launched a Kickstarter campaign to finance the game’s production, cartridge creation, and associated merchandise.
He Makes Money With His Photography
Interestingly, Austin Lee Russell is excellent in front of the camera and behind it.
Transitioning from television to visual arts, Chumlee showcased his photography skills, offering prints for sale through the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop’s website.
The artworks, capturing scenes from the Nevada desert and the Vegas skyline, garnered attention and became available for purchase.
Where Is Chumlee Now?
Chumlee’s journey has seen its share of ups and downs, including legal challenges that briefly raised questions about his future on the TV show Pawn Stars.
Fortunately, the reality star managed to sidestep jail time and received three years of probation and counseling instead.
While concerns about his status on the History Channel’s TV show were raised, those fears were dispelled when he made a triumphant return in 2017.
As of November 2023, Austin “Chumlee” Russells continues to be a part of Pawn Stars’ 21st season, further cementing his fame.
If you’ve found yourself captivated by the legal challenges this beloved TV personality faces and are curious to explore the stories of other individuals navigating the justice system, visit LookUpInmate.org.
This valuable resource lets you access inmate records from over 7,000 U.S. correctional institutions, including federal, state, local, military, and immigrant detention prisons.
References
- Meet The Stars
https://gspawn.com/pages/meet-the-stars - Believe It or Not, ‘Pawn Stars’ Icon Chumlee Has Been Arrested Before
https://www.distractify.com/p/chumlee-from-pawn-stars-arrested - Pawn Stars
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1492088/ - What We Know About Pawn Stars’ Chumlee
https://www.looper.com/11396/know-pawn-stars-chumlee/ - ‘Chumlee’ agrees to three years’ probation, avoids jail time for drugs, weapons charges
https://news3lv.com/amp/news/local/chumlee - 38.8 million people visited Las Vegas in 2022, inching closer to pre-pandemic levels
https://www.ktnv.com/news/38-8-million-people-visited-las-vegas - What Happened to Chumlee – What’s He Doing Now In 2023
https://gazettereview.com/happened-chumlee-whats-now-post-arrest/ - HOW MANY PEOPLE STILL PLAY POKÉMON GO IN 2023?
https://earthweb.com/pokemon-go-players/